brp recalls expedition and skandic snowmobiles
Amsnow
Canada's department of transportation (Transport Canada) has issued a Notice of Defect regarding several BRP produced snowmobiles. The Canadian manufacturer is voluntarily recalling four recently produced models:
- 2005 Expedition TUV 600 (models: FB5A and FB5B)
- 2007 and 2008 Skandic SWT V-800 (models: FP7B and LS8B)
- 2008 Skandic SUV 600 HO SDI (model: B8H)
Two reported incidents of explosions involving these machines on January 21 and 22, 2008, prompted the investigation and subsequent recall. Since then, a total of four incidents have been reported. Canada's Office of Defect Investigations is conducting the investigation and has several experts, that have performed fuel analyses, rigorously testing the machines. It has been determined that under extremely cold and dry weather (less than -30 degrees Celsius and 50 percent humidity) that electrostatic charges can build up within the fuel cell when the machine is left idling. When these charges build sufficiently, a spontaneous discharge can occur sparking fuel vapors in the tank and causing an explosion. The occurrence is most likely when there is little fuel in the tank, so there is more volume for vapors and oxygen to mix, which, combined with the electrostatic charge, is a recipe for combustion.
It was also found that in the four incidents, the fuel came from the same bulk storage tank and was 8-month old gas by the time it was used. This old gas had a lower vapor pressure and was more susceptible to fall into an ignitable air/fuel ratio range in the machine's tank.
A new fuel filter assembly will be a standard replacement. The new hoses and quick connectors in the assembly will have higher electric conductivity. If you own one of the affected models, please contact your BRP dealer and do not operate the vehicle until it is updated. For more info, contact BRP at 1-888-638-5397.